Scoping Workshop to Develop an APN Proposal on · BBuuiillddiinngg ippaar rttnneerrsshhippss ffoor ddeevveellooppiinngg aa SSoouutthh Assiiaa nn eCCa anooppyy rSScciieenccee RResseearrcchh

FINAL REPORT for APN PROJECT

Project Reference Number: CBA2011-17NSG-Devy

The following collaborators worked on this project:

Soubadra Devy M

[email protected]

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, India,

Scoping Workshop to Develop an APN Proposal on

“Building Partnerships for Developing a South

Asian Canopy Science Research Program”

- Making a Difference – SScciieennttiiffiicc CCaappaacciittyy BBuuiillddiinngg && EEnnhhaanncceemmeenntt ffoorr SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee DDeevveellooppmmeenntt iinn DDeevveellooppiinngg CCoouunnttrriieess

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AAssiiaann CCaannooppyy SScciieennccee RReesseeaarrcchh pprrooggrraamm

Project Reference Number: CBA2011-17NSG-Devy Final Report submitted to APN

©Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

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OVERVIEW OF PROJECT WORK AND OUTCOMES Tropical forest canopies are among the most threatened terrestrial habitats. Worldwide,

deforestation in tropics continues unabated. In India, the highest rates of deforestation exist for

tropical wet evergreen forests that have the most extensive and species rich canopies. In addition to

deforestation, extensive degradation of forests and fragmentation are increasing each decade. Even

protected areas are not immune from biodiversity loss. Multiple pressures threaten global forests,

ranging from increasing population, misguided development and poor governance and policies.

Climate change poses yet another important threat to forest canopies. Fifteen to thirty seven

percent of global species are predicted to become extinct due to climate change over the next fifty

to hundred years, and most of these may occur in tropical forest canopies. Furthermore, climate

change is likely to affect ecosystem processes, such as changes in phenology, insect outbreaks and

decoupling of species interactions. Canopy organisms may be highly sensitive to synergistic effects of

climatic changes and other anthropogenic disturbances because of adaptations to very specific

environments. Insects in particular may respond with extreme outbreaks, threatening the entire

forest ecosystem. As the interface between atmosphere and land, forest canopies are important

interface regions for monitoring the impacts of environmental changes. The increasing extremes in

global weather patterns may likely be evident among canopy leaves, epiphytes, leaf‐feeding insects,

and the canopy processes that occur in tropical treetops. Canopy biologists need to create

integrative, international collaborative research approaches to insure the best and most effective

research programs, in order to quantify and predict the impacts of global change.

The workshop brought experts in the region to build a network to facilitate cross site learning’s of

this emerging science to solve global environmental challenges particularly biodiversity

conservation, climate change and land use change in the Asian region.

Workshop sessions centered on specific questions relating to canopy science, education, technology,

and Collaboration including:

a) What specific tools are required to advance canopy science, especially to address areas of

global challenges such as biodiversity conservation, climate change and, land use changes.

b) How do global changes alter canopy processes (phenology, pollination, etc) that mediate

forest health?

c) What technological tools are required to assess the impacts of climate change on

forest canopies, which in turn affects whole‐forest health?

d) How can scientists develop “best practices” for education outreach to citizens, students and

policy‐makers?

e) What collaborative projects should be prioritized to answer the most critical questions

involving tree canopies, ecosystem services and sustainable use?

The workshop was broadly categorized into three themes:

1) Introduction to canopy and orientation:

a) Four detailed presentations by Canopy scientists working in India

b) Outline on how focused group discussion is carried out

2) How to access the canopy

a) Demonstration of Single rope Access technique in GKVK campus

b) Detailed presentation on the other methods of accessing canopy

3) What are the questions that can be addressed in canopy and why?

a) Participants distributed to focused groups based on expertise and choice

b) Participants discuss and present summary of group discussion

The workshop was conducted ahead of the SCB Asia 2012 meeting held in Bangalore in order to

maximize the number of international participants from the Asian region.

The workshop had these specific outcomes:

1. Canopy Research in India – a compilation of the on‐going canopy research in India

(M.Soubadra Devy and T. Ganesh) given to participants as part of workshop kit.

2. Orientation towards different aspects of canopy research carried out so far in India

3. Tree access demonstration by experts from ATREE

4. Focused group discussions on three broad themes: Biodiversity and Monitoring; Patterns

and Processes and Outreach, Education and Ecosystem Services.

5. Email discussion group established for further discussions on proposals and knowledge

development by circulating papers and highlighting deadlines for grants.

6. The workshop proceedings will be disseminated in various websites, including:

www.atree.org , www.treefoundation.org, ICAN, and GCP (UK‐based)

7. Furthering the group discussions to form a joint proposal with international participants

8. Key host institutions in Sri Lanka, NE India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Philippines

were indentified and further interactions would result in developing a co ordinate

proposal to be submitted to APN.

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Non-technical summary

Over 60% of the worlds’ biodiversity is supported by the forest canopy. Canopies form an interface

between the atmosphere and forest. They facilitate interactions such as photosynthesis, respiration,

carbon flux and nutrient cycling. The Asian forest canopies remain unexplored and there is an

urgent need to scientifically study and assess this unique subset of the habitat. Thus, a regional

workshop was proposed with the intention of bringing experts and prospective canopy scientists to

establish a network which would facilitate interactions and cross site learning of this emerging

scientific field to solve global environmental challenges particularly biodiversity conservation,

climate change and land use change in the Asian region. The scoping workshop was publicized in

local media and journals and was held ahead of the “Biodiversity Asia 2012” conference which was

the Asia chapter meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology held in Bangalore during August 7th-

11th.

The workshop was juxtaposed head of this conference in order to maximize participation from the

Asian region. Success of the workshop was marked by the enthusiastic participation by 24 persons

from five countries. The workshop gave an insight into the canopy science so far in India and laid

ground for focused group discussions. Subsequently, the participants came out with ideas which

broadly fit into three categories: Biodiversity and Monitoring; Patterns and Processes and Outreach

and Education. In conclusion, the roadmap for future was charted out by initiating an email

discussion group in which the participants would interact regularly and develop the concepts

proposed in the workshop further.

Objectives

The main objectives of the project were:

1. Advancing canopy research in the south Asian region, using new technologies

2. Implementation of programs for education outreach and citizen science using the

flagship image of the canopy

3. Dissemination of canopy research through technology transfer

4. Creation of global and regional collaboration to advance forest canopy research and

education programs over the next five years

Amount received and number years supported

The Grant awarded to this project was:

US$ 15,000

Activity undertaken

Online announcement: Biodiversity Asia 2012; ATREE; Mailing lists

Announcement in Print media: Current Science

Receiving of Concept notes and CV

Confirmation of participants

Workshop

Post workshop interactions

Future directions

Results

A successful workshop was conducted with 26 participants form six countries. This workshop was

attended by Dr. Doyil, Scientist from the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The

workshop was held at Royal Orchid Resorts convention centre at Yelahanka, Bangalore, India. The

sessions started with a short video on forest canopies from the Global Canopy Program. This was

followed by Introductions and Ice breaker. The main session involved an inaugural address by Dr.

Soubadra and the excerpts of where the recently edited book “Forest Canopies of South Asia, A

glimpse” was shown to participants and a copy was distributed to each of the participant as part of

the workshop kit. This was followed by Dr. Doyil who highlighted various option of funding to

popularize canopy Science. Following a tea break, there were three presentations on the following

themes; Camera Traps and Climate monitoring; Birds and Small rodents and Frogs, Climate and

forest sound scapes. The presentations were interactive in format and participants indulged in

discussion over lunch. This was followed by a demonstration of tree access using Single Rope

Technique by experts from ATREE. Tree climbing was held in the botanical garden of the University

of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. This session was further strengthened by a detailed presentation

on the various methods that have been and are currently being used to access the canopies. Also

appropriate access methods for various studies were highlighted.

After a short tea break, the participants broke up into three groups viz., Biodiversity and monitoring;

Patterns and Processes and Outreach, Education and Ecosystem cervices. The main idea of this

focused group discussion was to chart out broad proposals with cross country and cross site

collaborations. These ideas would subsequently be developed and pitched for funding in various

national and international sources such as APN and Department of Biotechnology (DBT). After the

focused group discussion, the participants defended their idea by presenting to the other two

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groups. They also received comments from the workshop organizers in improving certain aspects of

the study. Biodiversity mapping in the canopies; studying ecophysiology, application of remote

sensing techniques and aspects of Eco tourism and long term program for outreach and education in

the canopy were the three broad themes discussed.

Workshop was summarized with closing remarks from the organizers and it was decided and agreed

that participants would remain in touch to further develop the ideas over an email discussion group

that would be created for this sole purpose. Most participants felt this was the best way forward for

working across political boundaries and work towards strengthening the science. The email

discussion group was created and named “Asia Canopy Network”.

Participants were enthusiastic and discussed the ideas over dinner before they dispersed for the day.

Numerous participants also presented at the Biodiversity Asia 2012 conference and kept in touch

with the workshop organizers. Many participants were also provided with travel support and

dearness allowance to attend this workshop. Several of them also received a participation certificate

upon request.

Relevance to the APN Goals, Science Agenda and to Policy Processes

Self evaluation Did the workshop have sufficient representation from Asian Region?

Yes, there were 26 participants from five countries excluding India

Was there sufficient representation from both genders?

Yes 13 male and 13 Female participants

Were the participants having necessary skills to carry out canopy research?

Yes, there was representations from Students, Ecologists, Outreach activists, Remote sensing

specialists, Funding agency etc.

Did the workshop have a flow which led to substantial outputs?

Yes, the workshop was structured to highlight the gaps in knowledge of canopies of Asian region; few

examples of good studies in the Asian Region; Demonstration of how to go up into the canopy and

the various methods that are available to do so. Brief introduction to focused group discussions on

broad themes which are relevant to most funding agency requirements were highlighted. A short

workshop proceeding is being written and will be published in peer reviewed journals.

Potential for further work

The participants have agreed to develop a coordinated joint proposal for canopy studies and will be

applying for the APN grant. The DST, as the Indian counterpart of the funding has agreed to initiate

summer schools to popularize canopies with help from experts from India. Such efforts to bolster

canopy research could be undertaken in other participant countries.

Publications (please write the complete citation) How to strengthen Canopy Science in Asia? Soubadra Devy (In prep)

Acknowledgments We acknowledge the support from Dr. Gladwin Joseph, Director of ATREE who provided

encouragement for this grant. The workshop success was attributed to the undue support from Mr.

Ramesh, Mathivanan, Saravanan,Tamizalagan,Urbashi, Ronita, Seena, Rajkamal, Allwin, Aravind,

Vivek, Kiran, Seshadri and other staff from ATREE. Gopi, Sindhu, Varthika, Bogiah and several others

from the Finance section of ATREE helped the processing of funds and preparation of financial

reports. Dr. Ganesh provided inputs in the development of the program schedule. Dr. Doyil agreed

to be part of the program with a short notice.

ATREE expert team

1. Soubadra Devy M F India Faculty

2. Ganesh T M India Faculty

3. Seshadri.K.S M India Student

4. Aravind.N.A M India Faculty

5. Vivek Ramachandran M India Student

6. Saravanan. A M India Coordinator

7. Mathivanan. M M India Coordinator

8. Tamizalagan M India Assistant

9. Seena.K F India Student

10. Ronita Mukherjee F India Student

11. Allwin Jesudasan M India Student

12. Rajkamal Goswami M India Student

13. Urbashi Pradhan F India Student

14. Priyan Dharmarajan M India Faculty

1

TECHNICAL REPORT

Preface Forest canopies are at the interface between the forests and the atmosphere. Many important

forest–atmosphere interactions such as photosynthesis, respiration, carbon flux, and water and

nutrient cycling mainly take place in this region. On a global level, we need to know how plant–

atmosphere interactions are likely to be affected by the changing global process. Forest canopy

research can also provide inputs to many global‐level processes such as climate change. There is an

urgent need to replicate these models in other regions to understand processes related to global

change. The capacity building workshop to facilitated exchange of knowledge from established site

in Western Ghats, India to develop program in parts of South Asian where the gap exists now.

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Table of Contents

Introduction 3-4

Methodology 4-5

Results and Discussion 5-7

Conclusions 7

Future Directions 7-8

Workshop Details 9

Appendices 10-24

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1.0 Introduction Tropical forest canopies have studied systematically in very few sites both in New and Old World

tropics. The estimate on global species richness was drastically revised after a short exploration of

forest canopies. Yet, it still remains one of the least understood regions in our biosphere. Many

brave researchers in the recent past have explored these regions involving great risk with limited

canopy accessing capabilities across the tropical forests and have revealed interesting findings on

the species richness and behavior of plants and animals. In recent times canopy science is emerging

as a new discipline with the help of recently developed canopy accessing techniques. Canopy science

provides important interdisciplinary and large‐scale research possibilities such as canopy–

atmosphere interactions, structural and functional aspects of canopy on biodiversity, plant animal

interaction etc. Forest canopy research can also provide inputs to many global‐level processes such

as climate change. Here, we review the direction that canopy science has taken in recent times in

the tropics and also explore the possibilities of pursuing canopy science more intensively in the Asian

countries. The canopies of tropical forests are unique in many aspects with diverse habitats, of

which we know very little. These have been recognized as the last biotic frontier and the heart of

biodiversity. Much of the biodiversity found in tropical forests is in the canopies. Canopy science is

now emerging as a recognized field and is slowly evolving as a distinct discipline. Some aspects of

canopy research now involve multiple researchers approaching a common question from various

dimensions and trying to use more harmonized methods and cross‐site analysis. Forest canopies are

not just an abode for biologists, but also to many meteorologists who have also been contributing to

‘canopy science’. Forest canopies are at the interface between the forests and the atmosphere.

Many important forest–atmosphere interactions such as photosynthesis, respiration, carbon flux,

and water and nutrient cycling mainly take place in this region. On a global level, we need to know

how plant– atmosphere interactions are likely to be affected by the changing global process.

Changes in plant–atmosphere interactions can have cascading effects on animals which interact with

plants as well as with the atmosphere. In recent times, such issues have gained momentum

especially in the present context of global climate change. For instance, increasing atmospheric CO2

is likely to affect rates/existence of herbivory. South Asian forest canopies remain unexplored and

there is an urgent need to draw the attention of the scientific community to this unique habitat.

However, there has been a concerted effort in the Malaysian region by a Japanese team through

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state of art access techniques. Next site is in Australian where similar efforts are underway. The

Asian forests remain as emphasized earlier, forest canopies require special skills, techniques and

equipments to access, and also needs special training. However, there has been a tremendous

progress in the is area in other parts of the world while it is still in its nascent stage in Asian region

In this regional workshop we brought key experts in the region to build a network for capacity

building and facilitate cross site learning’s of the relatively young, emerging science of forest

canopies can inspire new and innovative research with advanced tools and technologies to solve

global environmental challenges particularly biodiversity conservation, climate change and land use

change . And further, canopy science can serve as a catalyst for ecology education and collaborative

projects that foster local conservation initiatives.

2.0 Methodology The workshop initiated with lead lectures on the progress of canopy science around the world. This

was followed by in depth presentations on the various ecological and interdisciplinary researches in

canopy science, underway in the Asian region. Specific case studies in the canopy within this region

were also discussed. Issues related to the technological advancement for accessing the canopies and

the need for a variety of methods were also emphasized. Following this, participants were exposed

to actual method of access such as single rope technique (See Appendix 4, 5 & 6). This gave them

feel of what it means to actually access the canopy. Subsequently, the participants were divided into

groups based on their capacity and field of interest for group discussion (Appendix 7).

Each group was asked to deliberate under three topics viz., Biodiversity and Monitoring; Patterns

and Processes and Ecosystem services, Outreach and Education. The group had a moderator from

the host organization (ATREE). The participants discussed and charted out the following details.

Identify existing expertise within the group

Larger research goals within each theme

Which part (s) of the world, what region, which habitat etc.

Existing expertise in the field

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Possible linkages with current research on similar or related topics

Identification of a host organization for the country

Possibility of collaborations: for knowledge sharing as well as capacity building

Probable funding agencies- for within countries, between countries of Asia

Who will steer it

Timeline

3.0 Results & Discussion A successful workshop was conducted with 26 participants form five countries excluding India. This

workshop attended by Dr. Doyil, Scientist from the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The workshop was held at Royal Orchid Resorts convention centre at Yelahanka, Bangalore, India.

The sessions started with a short video on forest canopies from the Global Canopy Program. This

was followed by Introductions and Ice breaker. The main session involved an inaugural address by Dr.

Soubadra where the recently edited book “Forest Canopies of South Asia, A glimpse” was shown to

participants and a copy was distributed to each as part of the workshop kit. This was followed by Dr.

Doyil. Following a tea break, there were three presentations on the following themes; Camera Traps

and Climate monitoring; Birds and Small rodents and Frogs, Climate and forest sound scapes. The

presentations were interactive in format and participants indulged in discussion over lunch. This was

followed by a demonstration of tree access using Single Rope Technique by experts from ATREE.

Tree climbing was held in the botanical garden of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore.

This session was further strengthened by a detailed presentation on the various methods that have

been and are currently being used to access the canopies.

The group discussion was carried out under three themes: Biodiversity and monitoring; Patterns and

Processes and Outreach, Education and Ecosystem cervices. The main idea of this focused group

discussion was to chart out broad proposals with cross country and cross site collaborations. These

ideas would subsequently be developed and pitched for funding in various national and international

sources such as APN and DBT. After the focused group discussion, the participants defended their

idea by presenting to the other two groups. They also received comments from the workshop

organizers in improving certain aspects of the study. Biodiversity mapping in the canopies; studying

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ecophysiology, application of remote sensing techniques and Aspects of Eco tourism and long term

program for outreach and education in the canopy were the three broad themes discussed.

The group came with following organization structure for each country level program (e.g India). The

need to raise funds was recognized as an important component for the success of a research study

followed by the procurement of permits and maintain the infrastructure. The group discussions

resulted in ways towards identifying a set of research priorities, largely based on the local expertise

within the participating countries and bridged with other ongoing programs with countries like India.

Most participants suggested ATREE to steer the Asian program as they had experience in the canopy

in the region.

From the discussion, fund raising was identified as a major constraint which has hindered canopy

research in participant nations. Subsequently, the difficulties associated with obtaining research

permits and maintenance and management of research initiatives and the lack of awareness about

importance of canopies among the policy makers and local communities.

The illustration provided below shows how other organizations could infuse strengths into the Indian

Program. This same framework will work for the Asian Programs where participating countries

would bring in strengths and help set up a long term monitoring program.

Flow Chart Showing the probable model for Asian Program Workshop was summarized with closing remarks from the organizers and it was decided and agreed

that participants would remain in touch to further develop the ideas over an email discussion group

that would be created for this sole purpose. Most participants felt this was the best way forward for

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working across political boundaries and work towards strengthening the science. The email

discussion group was created and named “Asia Canopy Network”.

4.0 Conclusions Forest canopies besides supporting about 60% of the biodiversity, is also an interface between the

forests and the atmosphere. Most forest–atmosphere interactions such as photosynthesis,

respiration, carbon flux and nutrient cycling take place in this region. Asian forest canopies remain

unexplored and there is an urgent need to draw the attention of the scientific community to this

unique habitat. Here I propose a regional workshop to bring experts in the region to build a network

to facilitate cross site learning’s of this emerging science to solve global environmental challenges

particularly biodiversity conservation, climate change and land use change in the Asian region.

The overall goals of the workshop were to bring together prospective canopy biologists from Asian

Region and involve them in advancing canopy research in the Asian/South Asian Region. Bringing

together the participants would also help in developing outreach and awareness programs and begin

citizen science program using the flagship of the canopy. The interactions would further help in

dissemination of canopy research through technology transfer. The workshop was intended to result

in global and regional collaborations to advance forest canopy research and education programs

over the next five years. One of the conclusive outcomes of this workshop was that a proposal is

now being developed for the APN- ARCP grant for the upcoming deadlines. This proposal will most

likely involve parties from Sri Lanka, Japan and India and they will aim to start a long term

monitoring program for facilitating site level comparisons of biodiversity under climate change

scenarios in Asian Region.

5.0 Future Directions The next capacity building workshop was proposed in Sri Lanka with SAARC funding. Countries such

as Indonesia and Philippines proposed a follow up workshop in Kuching , Malaysia which is the

nearest site where a canopy crane and a long term program in canopy science exists. The main idea

of having the workshop there is to have an exposure of the infrastructure and the on-going

research program in the site.

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Since the researchers from India are having expertise in canopy science research, they will work with

the other Asian Country Counterparts to set up a long term canopy research program. In this

direction, ATREE will be submitting a join proposal for the APN-ARCP grant.

The proposal for long term monitoring will begin with on site capacity building in canopy access and

other research and sampling techniques necessary for canopy science. Subsequently, the

participating countries will identify regional and international funding sources to supplement and

bolster the existing funds and continue the long term monitoring for pan Asian comparison.

Much of this discussion has been carried out on the email discussion group

([email protected]) which has been created for this very purpose at the

workshop in Bangalore.

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Conferences/Symposia/Workshops

The workshop was conducted by ATREE at Royal Orchid Resorts, Bangalore, India. The detailed

program is listed below (See appendix for program list, participant list, meeting minutes and

Program proceedings)

Funding sources outside the APN

No other funding sources

List of Young Scientists

None

Glossary of Terms

KMTR: Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve; ATREE: Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the

Environment; DST: Department of Science and Technology; DBT: Department of Bio-technology;

SAARC: South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation.

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Appendix 1 Program Schedule

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Appendix 2 Meeting Minutes

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Appendix 3 Participant details

Name Sex Country Position Affiliation Email

1. Devanshu Gupta M India Student Zoological Survey of India [email protected]

2. Karthik K M India Student The Energy Research Institute [email protected]

3. Prasanna Jagdish Kolte M India Student Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment [email protected]

4. Esperanza G. Mangabat F Philippines Faculty Mindanao State University Tibanga, Iligan City [email protected]

5. Olga Macas Nuneza F Philippines Faculty Mindanao State University Tibanga, Iligan City [email protected]

6. Rajmohana Keloth F India Faculty Zoological Survey of India [email protected]

7. Tati Suryati Syamsudin F Indonesian Faculty Institut Teknologi Bandung [email protected]

8. P.H.M.K. Anushika Herath F Sri Lanka Student No affiliation [email protected]

9. P. Indika Thushari F Sri Lanka Student No affiliation [email protected]

10. W.G.D.D.M. Shermila F Sri Lanka Student No affiliation [email protected]

11. Nimisha Tripathi F India Faculty No affiliation [email protected]

12. Ashok Kumar Biswal M India Student No affiliation [email protected]

13. M.A.C. Chaya Sarathchandra

F Sri Lanka Student No affiliation [email protected]

14. Mohamed Latif Khan M India Faculty North Eastern Regional Institute of Sci. & Tech. Nirjuli [email protected],

15. G. Prabhakara Rao M India Faculty Rubber Research Institute [email protected]

16. Hasrat Aejjumend M India Faculty Grassroots Foundation [email protected]

17. Karegoudar T M India Faculty Gulbarga State University [email protected]>

18. S. Saranga Jayawardhana M Sri Lanka Student Sri Lanka [email protected]

19. Jayalakshmi Krishnan F India Student Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment [email protected]

20. Achmad Sjarmidi M Indonesian Faculty Institut Teknologi Bandung [email protected]

21. Raj shekar singh M India Faculty Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research [email protected]

22. Enoka Kudavidange F Sri Lanka Faculty Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka [email protected]

23. Rahleh Mehrabi F Iran Student No affiliation [email protected]

24. Shafiqul Bari Md M Bangladesh Faculty Hajee Md. Danesh Institute of Science and Tech. [email protected]

25. Ankush Nautiyal F India Student University of Arkansas USA [email protected]

26. Ninad Mungi M India Student Wildlife Institute of India [email protected]

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Appendix 3 Abstracts of lectures delivered during the workshop by experts

1. Asian Canopies – opportunities and gaps Dr. Soubadra Devy the co-organizer of the capacity building workshop set the stage by highlighting

the canopy studies that has been carried out in India. Ashoka Trust in Ecology and the Environment

was a pioneer in accessing the canopy in India. The program was kicked started In India by adopting

network of ladders in wet forest site of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Southern Western

Ghats, India. The work involved interactions of honey bees with a guild of their food plants. Over

years, a period of 10 years the community level pollination study was also undertaken. Contacts with

other leading canopy biologist Dr. Margaret Lowman enabled bringing in safer access methods such

as single rope technique (SRT) to the site. This paved way for many interesting studies with also

resulted in robust sampling. The work undertaken by using SRT was highlighted in the following

presentations. ATREE also convened the 5th International canopy conference under theme `Forest

Canopies: Conservation, Climate Change and Sustainable Use’. This has representation of 33

countries and helped showcase the progress in developed countries to the Asia region. This

conference served as opportunity to collate all work in South Asia which was edited into semi-

technical book titled `Forest Canopies of South Asia- A Glimpse. The book was distributed to all the

canopy workshop participants.

She also highlighted how the canopy science has gained impetus particularly in connection with

climate change. Scientists have used crane and walkways to install heavy equipments and also to

carry repeated sampling. Also funders of other cranes around the world have been either the

government or the science foundations. A greater proportion of the studies have looked at canopies

independently and not in conjunction with the ground level studies. The need to link with other on-

ground programs such as permanent plots was also emphasized so that there is understanding of

the `whole forest’. A consortium institutions need to come together to develop co-ordinate

proposals to acquire and utilize infra-structures such as crane. Gaps of such infra-structure in South

Asian region had marred the progress of canopy science. Also the need for more harmonized

methods and protocols were required, so as to enable region level comparison. Certain organization

should lead role in collaborations with experts and develop a protocol which be adopted at regional

level in Asia. The way forward is integration both at country level and regional level program. For

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example, India at country level needs work with represents its hotspots of biodiversity (Western

Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas and Andamans and Nicobar Islands). It could

integration with other countries such as - Sri Lanka for comparing Western Ghats; and with

Indonesia for Andamans and Nicobar.

Countries could start work in an exploratory mode by using simple access techniques such as SRT in

the area of biodiversity by training young individuals. Interaction that followed the presentation

had the participants quizzing on the safety issues and the costs involved for the infrastructure and

there was a consensus on the urgent need for an Asian Canopy program.

2. Remote sensing the canopies: Cameras and thermometers

Dr. T.Ganesh provided details on the challenges faced in documenting and studying animals in the

canopy. In recent times, with the availability of still and video camera traps it has become

easier to capture some of the elusive animals. Camera traps allow the observation of shy, cryptic

animals without disturbing them. The biggest advantage is getting continuous observation across

day and night on the presence and movement of animals in any location. Our purpose of using

camera traps in the canopy was not just to photograph mammals or birds but also document

the use of a particular patch of resource such as flowers or fruits and understand other interactions

at such patches over.

Camera traps were used to study frequency of visits to the flowers of a canopy tree, Cullenia

exarilata. The traps were mounted inside wooden boxes with a metal frame mesh to protect it from

macaques. We tested the reliability of cameras to record visitors by doing parallel observations from

hides. Several factors like sunlight heating up the leaves, placement of the camera, the power of

flash, weather especially wind need to be considered to avoid false trigger. Once these are taken

care camera traps might be the best non-intrusive method for sustained monitoring at one point in

the canopy.

The other important variables that can be measured in a non-intrusive way are weather parameters.

With the availability of several cheap weather data loggers it’s possible to network the canopy with

such loggers to determine the changes in temperature, humidity, light flux across time and space.

Simple HOBO data loggers protected from direct rain and macaques were deployed in the canopy

and ground to determine the variations in microclimatic changes at 1 hr interval in a rainforest in

south India. This was the first continuous measurement of these variables in a rainforest site in India.

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The variation in temperature in the canopy across a day was 5.5 C and in the understory was 2.5 C.

The maximum difference occurred in the July when intermittent rain and strong sunlight heated up

the canopy and not so the understory. Humidity was 2-20% higher in the understory and during the

monsoons it remained at 100% for more than 25 days at a stretch. These differences may be useful

to interpret the dynamics of seedling growth and phonological patterns of rainforest trees.

3. Bird and small mammal communities in structurally diverse habitats of Kalakad-

Mundunthurai Tiger Reserve – a canopy-centric approach Vivek Ramachandran provided an overview of the canopy research on birds and small mammals

done by ATREE at KMTR. He spoke about the need to study birds and small mammals from the

canopy as against the traditional ground based sampling. Illustrated examples of the advantages of

sampling from the canopy were outlined and strategies to improve sampling were discussed. There

was a general consensus that stand alone terrestrial sampling was giving an eclipsed view even for

well studied taxa such as birds. For mammals, canopy sampling was not only shown to detect

crepuscular species but was augmenting the biodiversity assessment of the area. The canopy based

approach also provided useful insights into vertical stratification and niche differentiation in bird and

small mammal communities. The advantages of repeated access and sample scale were shown to

provide valuable insights into community structuring of the target taxa. The talk was well received

and stimulated a lively discussion on various aspects of canopy access for taxa based sampling.

4. Frogs, Climate and Forestscape Seshadri gave an overview of his research work on frogs in KMTR. One of the reasons for this

shortfall has been the difficulty of access to the tree tops, especially in the old world tropics. Most

canopy research require several man hours of effort, often in harsh conditions with little

infrastructure. A vast majority of anurans use vocalizations as signals to attract mates. Many anuran

species are known to be complete canopy specialists having severed links with the ground. Epiphytic

bromeliads in canopy provide much of the moisture essential for anuran communities. While such

complete canopy dwellers are numerous in the neo-tropics, they have so far, not been documented

in old world tropical forests like those in India. In the larger context of global climate change, the

forest canopy, being the first to interact with the atmosphere, stands to be most affected. Anurans

in particular are unique models to document and understand the impacts under climate change

scenarios as minor changes to the moisture availability or temperature are known to show profound

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impacts on the breeding success of anurans. While monitoring anurans using their vocalizations has

been in practice, no such efforts exist in developing countries like India.

A crucial problem with monitoring anurans using vocalizations has been the difficulty in discerning

the changes caused by human induced modification and those of natural causes However, recent

technological advancements in Automated Sound Recording systems (ASR) have helped overcome a

few limitations. The ASRs, with ability to be deployed in harsh field conditions for long durations are

increasingly being used to monitor wildlife. Here, the pros and cons of a non-intrusive acoustic

method to record anurans in the canopy and ground to understand their community in a rainforest

of southern India.

5. Canopy Access Techniques: history, methods, future direction

Vivek introduced the concept of canopies and its place in history from early society to the present

scientific endeavors. Early access techniques such as climbing, use of monkeys were discussed. Early

scientific curiosity and collection were show to use these techniques. The development of

technology improved access and scientific curiosity led to research. The various advancements such

as binoculars, telescopes, photography were illustrated as proxy tools. The development of towers

and walkways was traced and their contribution to the furthering of canopy science was explained.

Rope access techniques were discussed. Canopy cranes and walkways from various temperate and

tropical forests were shown. Lighter than air platforms such as the ‘canopy raft’ and the “hornbill”

were also described. Low tech access and high tech methods were compared and contrasted so the

participants could decide which methods would be suitable for their areas of research. Access

facilities for a regional canopy research facility were also discussed.

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Appendix 4 Photographs of the workshop (All captions in clockwise from top to bottom)

FIGURE 1 DR. SOUBADRA WELCOMING THE PARTICIPANTS; DR. DOYIL GIVING AN OVERVIEW OF

THE DAYS EVENTS; PARTICIPANTS DURING THE WORKSHOP

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FIGURE 2 MR. VIVEK PRESENTING ON BIRDS; DR.GANESH PRESENTING ON CLIMATE MONITORING

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FIGURE 3 MR. SESHADRI PRESENTING ON FROGS AND DR. SOUBADRA SUMMARIZING THE

PROCEEDINGS

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FIGURE 4 MR. VIVEK DEMONSTRATING CANOPY ACCESS USING SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUE AT GK VK

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FIGURE 5 MR. TAMIZALAGAN AND SARAVANAN DEMONSTRATING CLIMBING; PARTICIPANT TRYING

CLIMBING

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FIGURE 6 PARTICIPANT ON THE TREE

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FIGURE 7 THREE GROUPS ENGAGED IN GROUP DISCUSSION AND ONE MEMBER OF THE TEAM

PRESENTING THE IDEA FOR DEBATE

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FIGURE 8 CLOSING SESSION AND GROUP PHOTOGRAPH

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